Idaho Mule Deer Rut Hunt in the Frank Church Wilderness

A truly awesome mule deer hunting experience!

This Idaho mule deer rut hunt takes place in the heart of the mule deer rut and migration area in late October through November 18. You will be amazed at the number of deer you will see each day on this very special hunt. This is a deer “shopping hunt” as you will see hundreds of deer. It’s not uncommon on this hunt to see 20-50 bucks a day!!!Get more information »

This is not just mule deer hunting… it’s the ultimate wilderness experience! Our Pro Staff has been on this mule deer rut hunt multiple times and it is without a doubt, OI Approved!

Hunt trophy mule deer during the rut AND in a migration zone!

Idaho Mule Deer Hunting Season
-Late October through November 18

Hunting Method
This is a classic, horseback spot-and-stalk mule deer hunt. The deer should be migrating through and the mule deer rut will be in full swing as well. On a normal year, you can expect to see at least twenty bucks per day. During your hunt you should about 10 bucks that will go over 160″ or so, and I’ve never been on this hunt and not seen at least two HUGE bucks in a week.

There is a very reasonable possibility that you could take the mule deer buck of your life on this hunt.

I’ve been on this hunt three times, both as a guide and as a hunter. I’ve hunted a lot of places, and this is one of my favorites. LOTS of mule deer. LOTS of big mule deer. The mule deer rut is in full swing and you will see unpressured bucks right from your tent. An incredible hunt.-Cory Glauner

Travel, food and lodging for this hunt

Travel to Idaho
Most hunters will fly or drive to Challis, Idaho where they will take a backcountry flight into a private air strip in the wilderness. The Outfitter will pick you up at the strip with horses and a string of mules and pack you into camp. Hunting will be on foot and on horseback.

Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
No fences, no fancy lodges, no travel by SUV or ATV, nor are there any crowds or cell phones. This is a true mountain man experience and the hunt of a lifetime in an area that spans 340+/- square miles. This country is rich in history and free roaming, non-pressured mule deer abound.

Accommodations
Camp consists of a cook (kitchen) tent and hunter tents (two hunters per tent) and is right up on top of a big, flat ridge with about ten finger ridges that come off of it. There is no need to get up super early because you are right amongst the deer and can glass just a few hundred yards from camp while breakfast is being cooked and the horses are being saddled by the guides. Once you eat breakfast, you will ride out with your guide and glass the finger ridges.

When you walk away from your hunt with experience and memories that will read like the tales of mountain men of old and the stories you will share with others will be told for years and years. -Steve Zettel

Hunt Reports

Idaho Sheep Hunting Outfitter Report
Our Idaho sheep hunting outfitter went 3 for 4 on nice rams in Idaho's Frank Church Wilderness hunting unit 26. This Idaho sheep hunting unit is one of the easiest in the nation to draw.
[Read more...]

1 Frame Backpack and light sleeping pad, if you are scheduled for a backpack elk hunt

Layering your clothing is very important. However you can go overboard. You want to be dressed to travel on foot, then a coat or jacket to keep you warm while sitting or riding, then rain gear if necessary. If you bring a heavy coat be prepared to leave it at camp or on your horse as it will be too warm while walking. You should also bring moleskin, molefoam, and medical tape (foot repair kit).

Hunting Gear Expert

If you would like to talk to our Gear Expert, please fill out this form, or contact him directly.

HUNT REPORT

One of our Utah hunting outfitters sent us these pictures from his hunts this year. They had a great season. Their hunters had good success on trophy animals.
Here are some of the pictures from this past Utah hunting season.
This elk was killed … [Read More...]

PODCAST

Butch Whiting is an American Hero. He also happens to be one of the owners of Kryptek Outdoor Group. Butch's dream, while in the muck of the Middle East, fighting for us...was to be back home in the states hunting. He and his partners decision to start … [Read More...]